JP2006239142A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drum type washing machine capable of improving a water saving effect, a washing performance and a rinsing performance. <P>SOLUTION: Inside a water tub 2, a drum 3 for housing laundry is freely rotatably arranged. The drum 3 is provided with a small hole for communicating a space between the water tub 2 and the drum 3 and a space inside the drum 3. By the operation of a circulation pump, water between the water tub 2 and the drum 3 is put out of the water tub 2 and sent to a nozzle 8 for washing. The nozzle 8 for washing is positioned on the lower side of a water tub opening 25 and jets the water toward the inside of the drum 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine.

  Conventionally, as a drum type washing machine, there is one described in JP-A-9-215893 (Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 9, the drum type washing machine includes a water tank 901 and a drum 902 that is rotatably disposed in the water tank 901 and stores the laundry 908. A water tank opening 909 is provided on the front surface of the water tank 901, and the user takes in and out the laundry 908 through the water tank opening 909. In addition, a drain port 904 is provided in the lower part of the water tank 901 so that the circulation pump 905 can suck the washing water in the water tank 901 from the drain port 904. One end of a circulation hose 906 is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 905. On the other hand, the other end of the circulation hose 906 is connected to the nozzle 907. This nozzle 907 is attached to the upper part of the opening of the water tank 901.

  A heater 903 for heating the washing water in the water tank 901 is installed between the lower part of the water tank 901 and the lower part of the drum 902.

  According to the drum type washing / drying machine having the above-described configuration, the washing water in the water tank 901 is pumped up by the circulation pump 905 and supplied into the water tank 901 from the nozzle 907 through the circulation hose 906 during the washing operation or the rinsing operation. As a result, the washing water discharged from the nozzle 907 falls on the laundry 908 in the drum 902. As a result, even if the amount of washing water stored in the water tank 901 is small, the laundry 908 can be wetted with the washing water, and the laundry 908 can be washed and rinsed.

By the way, in the said conventional drum type washing machine, the circulation hose 906 is long because the nozzle 907 is positioned above the water tank opening 909. For this reason, since the pressure loss by the circulation hose 906 becomes large, the momentum of the washing water discharged from the nozzle 907 is weak. As a result, there is a problem that the laundry 908 on the back side of the drum 902 cannot be wetted with washing water, and the washing performance and the rinsing performance are low.
JP-A-9-215893

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the drum type washing machine which can improve a water-saving effect, washing | cleaning performance, and a rinse performance.

In order to solve the above problems, the drum-type washing machine of the present invention is
An outer box having an outer box opening;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a water tank opening facing the outer box opening;
A drum rotatably disposed in the aquarium and containing laundry;
A communication hole provided in the drum for communicating a space between the water tank and the drum and a space in the drum;
A circulation path for circulating the water between the water tank and the drum back into the drum;
A nozzle for washing that is provided at the tip of the circulation path and ejects water into the drum, and is located below the water tank opening,
A circulation pump is provided in the circulation path to circulate water so as to be positioned below the water tank.

  According to the drum type washing machine having the above-described configuration, the washing nozzle is located below the water tank opening, so that the circulation path between the washing nozzle and the circulation pump is compared with the conventional example of FIG. Since the length becomes shorter and the pressure loss due to the circulation path becomes smaller, the momentum of water ejected from the washing nozzle becomes stronger. As a result, even if there is little water stored in the water tank, the laundry in the drum can be evenly wetted with water, so that the cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be improved. That is, the water saving effect, cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be enhanced.

  Moreover, since the said washing | cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be improved, washing and rinsing of laundry can be performed with high efficiency, and the time required for washing and rinsing of laundry can be shortened.

  In addition, since the distance between the washing nozzle and the circulation pump is short, the formation of the circulation path between the washing nozzle and the circulation pump is simplified.

  Further, by positioning the washing nozzle below the water tank opening, it is possible to collect devices and parts for circulating water below the water tank opening.

In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment,
A branch path that branches from the circulation path and extends between the water tank and the drum;
A foreign matter removing nozzle is provided at the tip of the branch path to eject water toward the space between the water tank and the drum, and is located below the water tank opening.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since the foreign matter removing nozzle is installed at the tip of the branch path, the water discharged from the foreign matter removing nozzle hits the foreign matter between the water tank and the drum. Therefore, since the foreign matter between the water tank and the drum is removed by the water discharged from the foreign matter removing nozzle, it is possible to prevent a decrease in cleanliness in the water tank.

  Further, since the foreign matter between the water tank and the drum is removed by the water discharged from the foreign matter removing nozzle, the removal of the foreign matter does not have to be requested, for example, from a manufacturer serviceman. Therefore, the maintenance cost of the drum type washing machine can be reduced.

  The drum type washing machine of one embodiment includes a protective cover that surrounds each of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since the protective cover is provided around each of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle, the foreign matter is prevented from clogging in the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle. be able to.

  The drum type washing machine of one embodiment includes a maintenance cover that is detachably provided on the front surface of the outer box.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since the maintenance cover is detachably provided on the front surface of the outer box, so-called user maintenance is possible.

  In the drum type washing machine of one embodiment, at least one of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle is replaceable.

  According to the drum type washing machine of the above embodiment, since at least one of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle is replaceable, the foreign matter can be removed by replacing at least one of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle. At least one of more effective removal and further improvement of washing performance can be achieved.

  In the drum type washing machine of the present invention, since the pressure loss due to the circulation path is reduced because the washing nozzle is located below the opening of the water tank, the momentum of the water ejected from the washing nozzle is increased. Even if there is little water stored inside, it is possible to evenly wet the laundry in the drum with water. Therefore, the water saving effect, cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be enhanced.

  Moreover, since the said washing | cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be improved, washing and rinsing of laundry can be performed with high efficiency, and the time required for washing and rinsing of laundry can be shortened.

  In addition, since the distance between the nozzle and the circulation pump is short, the formation of the circulation path between the nozzle and the circulation pump is simplified.

  Further, by positioning the washing nozzle below the water tank opening, it is possible to collect devices and parts for circulating water below the water tank opening.

  Hereinafter, the drum type washing machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum type washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The drum-type washing / drying machine includes an outer box 1, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 2 disposed in the outer box 1, and a bottomed cylinder that is rotatably disposed in the water tank 2 and stores laundry. A drum 3 having a shape, a drum motor 4 which is attached to the rear part of the water tank 2 and rotationally drives the drum 3, a drying system 5 for drying the laundry, and two dampers 6 which elastically support the rear part of the water tank 2 And has.

  An outer box opening 12 is provided on the front surface of the outer box 1. The outer box opening 12 is opened and closed by a door 13 rotatably attached to the outer box 1. Further, most of the front portion of the outer box 1 is composed of a front panel 14, and the lower part of the outer box 1 is composed of a bottom base 15. In addition, a detergent case 16 for storing detergent, bleach and softener, and an operation part 17 having operation keys and a display part are provided on the upper part of the outer box 1. A control device 18 for controlling the operation of the drum type washing and drying machine is disposed on the back side of the operation unit 17 (inside the outer box 1).

  In the detergent case 16, tap water supplied to the tap water supply port 19 flows in via the tap water supply channel 20, or bath water supplied to the bath water supply port 21 is supplied to the bath water supply water. Or flows in through the path 22. The tap water supply channel 20 is provided with a water supply valve 23. The bath water supply path 22 is provided with a bath water pump 24.

  A water tank opening 25 is provided on the front surface of the water tank 2. A packing 26 made of an elastic material such as rubber or soft resin is fixed to the opening edge of the water tank opening 25. As a result, when the door 13 is closed, the door 13 comes into close contact with the packing 26, so that the liquid in the water tank 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the water tank 2. Further, the water tank 2 is disposed sideways so that the water tank opening 25 faces the outer box opening 12. More specifically, the central axis of the water tank 2 is inclined so as to form an angle of 5 ° to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. Connected to the upper part of the water tank 2 is a water supply duct 27 for supplying washing water (tap water containing detergent or mere tap water) into the water tank 2. On the other hand, a drainage duct 28 is connected to the lower part of the water tank 2 for draining the washing liquid in the water tank 2 to the outside.

  The liquid flowing through the drain duct 28 flows into the circulation hose 7 or the drain hose 30 through the filter case 29. A filter 31 is installed in the filter case 29.

  A drain valve 33 is attached to the end of the drain hose 30 near the filter case 29. The drain valve 33 is opened and closed by a drain motor 32.

  The lower end of the circulation hose 7 is connected to a discharge port of a circulation pump 34 disposed behind the filter case 29. On the other hand, the upper end portion of the circulation hose 7 is connected to a joint 35 having flexibility.

  The filter 31 captures foreign matters such as lint in the liquid that leaves the drain duct 28 and travels toward the circulation hose 7 or the drain hose 30. This filter 31 can be cleaned and replaced by the user. More specifically, the user removes the filter 31 from the filter case 29 by opening a filter maintenance cover (not shown) provided on the front panel 14, and cleans the filter 31 or replaces the filter 31. Can be.

  The rotation axis of the drum 3 is inclined so as to form an angle of 5 ° to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. A drum opening 36 facing the outer box opening 12 and the water tank opening 25 is provided on the front surface of the drum 3. The drum opening 36 has a larger diameter than the water tank opening 25. A plurality of small holes 37 are provided in the entire peripheral wall of the drum 3. The small holes 37 are for circulating wash water, dry air, and the like between the space between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 and the space in the drum 3. Further, a baffle 38 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided on the inner wall surface of the drum 3. The baffles 38 are arranged at three locations in the circumferential direction, for example, at intervals of 120 °, and repeat the lifting and dropping of the laundry as the drum 3 rotates. Further, a liquid balancer 39 is provided to surround the drum opening 36 of the drum 3 from the outside, and an imbalance that is likely to occur due to bias of laundry, washing liquid, etc. when the drum 3 rotates is caused inside the liquid balancer 39. The movement is canceled by the movement of the sealed liquid. The small hole 37 is an example of a communication hole.

  The drying system 5 has a fan unit 40 and a hot air unit 42. Moreover, although mentioned later in detail, the said drying system 5 also has the heat exchange plate 41 for dehumidification (refer FIG. 2).

  The fan unit 40 is attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the water tank 2. The fan unit 40 includes a fan case 43, a blower fan 44 accommodated in the fan case 43, and a fan motor 45 that rotationally drives the blower fan 44. The fan motor 45 is directly connected to the blower fan 44, and rotates the blower fan 44 by a direct drive structure.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic front view of the water tank 2.

  The dehumidifying heat exchange plate 41 is disposed in a region between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the drum 3 and is cooled with cooling water when the drying system 5 is operated, that is, during a drying operation. Further, the rear portion (portion on the fan unit 40 side) of the dehumidifying heat exchange plate 41 is covered with a plate cover 46 attached to the inner wall of the water tank 2. The plate cover 46 guides the air containing moisture evaporated from the laundry along the heat exchange plate 41 for dehumidification into the fan case 43 of the fan unit 40.

  The warm air unit 42 includes a drying heater 47, a drying heater case 48 that accommodates most of the drying heater 47, and a blower case 49 that guides the air heated by the drying heater 47 into the drum 3. (See FIGS. 1 and 4).

  The drying heater 47 is installed between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the drum 3 so as to be located on the side of the heat exchange plate 41 for dehumidification, and heats the blown air from the fan unit 40.

  The outlet 50 provided at the upper end of the blower case 49 is located between the lower edge of the water tank opening 25 and the lower edge of the drum opening 36. Thereby, the air guided by the blower case 49 is blown out from the blower outlet 50 into the drum 3.

  In FIG. 2, C <b> 1 is the center of the water tank opening 25, and C <b> 2 is the center of the drum opening 36.

  FIG. 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint 35. FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of the discharge port 51 of the joint 35 as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 3C shows a schematic view of the discharge port 52 of the joint 35 as viewed from the axial direction.

  The joint 35 has two discharge ports 51 and 52 as shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the inner diameter R1 of the discharge port 51 is larger than the inner diameter R2 of the discharge port 52. Thereby, the discharge amount of the discharge port 51 becomes larger than the discharge amount of the discharge port 52.

  FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the main part of FIG.

  The discharge port 51 is connected to the washing nozzle 8 through a connection hose 53 so as to be replaceable. Further, the discharge port 52 is connected to the foreign substance removing nozzle 9 through a connection hose 54 so as to be replaceable. The washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 are respectively inserted into through holes of mounting portions 55 and 56 provided at the lower front portion of the water tank 2. Further, a gap between the washing nozzle 8 and the through hole of the attachment portion 55 is closed with a water-stop packing 57. Further, a gap between the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 and the through hole of the attachment portion 56 is closed with a water-stop packing 58.

  The air outlet 50 of the blower case 49 faces the space between the lower part of the water tank opening 25 and the lower part of the drum opening 36.

  FIG. 5A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the blower case 49. FIG. 5B shows a schematic front view of the blower case 49.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the blower case 49 has a cylindrical protective cover 59 for surrounding the front end portion of the washing nozzle 8 and a cylindrical shape for surrounding the front end portion of the foreign matter removing nozzle 9. The protective cover 60 is provided. The front end of the protective cover 59 protrudes from the outlet 50 of the blower case 49. The protective cover 60 protrudes toward the drying heater 47 and the drying heater case 48. Such protective covers 59 and 60 are opposed to the through holes of the attachment portions 55 and 56. As a result, the washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 are inserted into the through holes of the mounting portions 55 and 56, and the leading ends of the washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 are protected as shown in FIG. It can be surrounded by covers 59,60.

  The drainage duct 28, the circulation hose 7, a part of the joint 35, and the connection hose 53 constitute an example of a circulation path. The other part of the joint 35 and the connection hose 54 constitute an example of a branch path.

  According to the drum-type washing / drying machine having the above-described configuration, the circulation pump 34 is operated with the drain valve 33 being closed during the washing operation or the rinsing operation. Thereby, the circulation pump 34 sucks the washing water between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 and supplies the washing water to the circulation hose 7. Then, the washing water exiting the circulation hose 7 branches at the joint 35 and flows into the connection hoses 53 and 54. The washing water that has flowed into the connection hose 53 blows out from the washing nozzle 8 into the drum 3. At this time, since the flow path from the circulation pump 34 to the washing nozzle 8 is shorter than that in the conventional example of FIG. 9, the pressure loss due to the flow path is small. As a result, the momentum of the washing water blown out from the washing nozzle 8 is increased. Therefore, even if there is little water stored in the water tank 2, the laundry in the drum can be evenly wetted with water, so that the washing performance and the rinsing performance can be improved. That is, the water saving effect, cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be enhanced.

  Moreover, since the said washing | cleaning performance and rinsing performance can be improved, washing and rinsing of laundry can be performed with high efficiency, and the time required for washing and rinsing of laundry can be shortened.

  In addition, since the distance between the washing nozzle 8 and the circulation pump 34 is short, the circulation hose 7, the joint 35, and the connection hose 53 can be easily installed.

  Further, by positioning the washing nozzle 8 below the water tank opening 25, devices and parts for circulating the washing water can be concentrated below the water tank opening 25.

  The washing water that has flowed into the connection hose 54 from the circulation hose 7 is blown out from the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 toward the space between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. As a result, the washing water hits the drying heater 47 and the drying heater case 48, and foreign matters such as yarn waste are washed away from the drying heater 47 and the drying heater case 48. The foreign matter removed from the drying heater 47 and the drying heater case 48 flows through the drainage duct 28 together with the washing water and is captured by the filter 31. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in cleanliness in the water tank 2.

  Further, since the filter 31 can be cleaned and replaced by the user, it is not necessary to request the manufacturer's service person to remove the foreign matter. Therefore, the maintenance cost of the drum type washing / drying machine can be reduced.

  Further, the discharge amount of the discharge port 51 connected to the washing nozzle 8 via the connection hose 53 should be larger than the discharge amount of the discharge port 52 connected to the foreign matter removal nozzle 9 via the connection hose 54. Thus, the spray amount of the washing nozzle 8 is made larger than the spray amount of the foreign matter removing nozzle 9. Accordingly, foreign matters such as lint can be removed from the drying heater 47 and the drying heater case 48 without lowering the washing performance.

  Further, since the protective cover 59 surrounds the tip of the washing nozzle 8, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as lint from being clogged in the washing nozzle 8.

  Similarly to the washing nozzle 8, since the protective cover 60 surrounds the tip of the foreign matter removing nozzle 9, foreign matter such as yarn waste can be prevented from clogging in the foreign matter removing nozzle 9.

  Further, instead of the joint 35, a joint 135 as shown in FIG. In the joint 135, the water stop valves 10 and 11 are provided in the vicinity of the discharge ports 151 and 152. Thus, depending on the purpose, the washing water is discharged only from the washing nozzle 8, the washing water is discharged only from the foreign matter removal nozzle 9, or the washing water is both the washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removal nozzle 9. It can be discharged from.

  The water stop valves 10 and 11 may be opened and closed in accordance with a control program stored in advance in a memory, or may be opened and closed by a user operating the operation unit 17.

  Further, instead of the front panel 14, a front panel 114 as shown in FIG. 7 may be used. The front panel 114 has a maintenance opening 61 that faces the joint 35. A maintenance cover 62 is detachably attached to the maintenance opening 61. Thus, the user can remove the maintenance cover 62 from the maintenance opening 61 and clean and replace the washing nozzle 8, the foreign substance removal nozzle 9, and the like.

  Further, the washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 may be replaced with nozzles 63, 64, and 65 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C. The ejection range of the nozzle 63 is wider than the ejection range of the nozzles 64 and 65, and the ejection range of the nozzle 64 is wider than the ejection range of the nozzle 65. That is, in the nozzles 63, 64, 65, the ejection range of the nozzle 63 is the widest, and the ejection range of the nozzle 65 is the narrowest.

  Accordingly, when the washing nozzle 8 or the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 is replaced with the nozzles 63, 64, 65, if any of the nozzles 63, 64, 65 is selected according to the amount and material of the laundry, the washing performance is achieved. As well as the ability to remove foreign matters such as lint.

  Although not shown, the washing nozzle 8 and the foreign matter removing nozzle 9 may be replaced with nozzles that can inject washing water into pyramids, cones, and lines.

  In the above embodiment, the bath water pump 24 is provided in the bath water supply channel 22, but a water supply valve may be provided instead of the bath water pump 24.

  Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a drum type washing machine having a drying function but also to a drum type washing machine having no drying function.

  Further, it goes without saying that the position where the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle of the present invention are installed is not limited to the above embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum type laundry dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a water tank of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a joint of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 3B is a schematic view of one discharge port of the joint as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the other discharge port of the joint as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a blower case of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 5B is a schematic front view of the air blowing case. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a modified example of the joint. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a modification of the front panel of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle that can be replaced with a washing nozzle and a foreign matter removal nozzle of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle that can be replaced with a washing nozzle and a foreign matter removal nozzle of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle that can be replaced with a washing nozzle and a foreign matter removal nozzle of the drum type washing and drying machine. FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional drum type washing machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 2 Water tank 3 Drum 7 Circulation hose 8 Washing nozzle 9 Foreign substance removal nozzle 12 Outer box opening 25 Water tank opening 34 Circulation pump 35 Joint 37 Small hole 53, 54 Connection hose 59, 60 Protective cover 62 Maintenance cover 63 , 64, 65 nozzles

Claims (5)

An outer box having an outer box opening;
A water tank disposed in the outer box and having a water tank opening facing the outer box opening;
A drum rotatably disposed in the aquarium and containing laundry;
A communication hole provided in the drum for communicating a space between the water tank and the drum and a space in the drum;
A circulation path for circulating the water between the water tank and the drum back into the drum;
A nozzle for washing that is provided at the tip of the circulation path and ejects water into the drum, and is located below the water tank opening,
A drum-type washing machine comprising: a circulation pump provided in the circulation path for circulating water so as to be positioned below the water tank. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1,
A branch path that branches from the circulation path and extends between the water tank and the drum;
It is provided with a foreign matter removing nozzle that is provided at the tip of the branch path and ejects water between the water tank and the drum, and is located below the water tank opening. Drum type washing machine. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 2,
A drum type washing machine comprising a protective cover surrounding each of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 1,
A drum-type washing machine comprising a maintenance cover detachably provided on the front surface of the outer box. In the drum type washing machine according to claim 2,
A drum type washing machine, wherein at least one of the washing nozzle and the foreign matter removing nozzle is replaceable.

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